Method For the Treatment of a Material Other Than the Human Body

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for the treatment of material other than the human body, in which the material to be treated is mixed or brought into contact with a composition comprising: a) at least one compound A which is selected from dianhydrohexitol ethers, preferably dimethyl isosorbide; and b) at least one compound B which is selected from alkaline agents, acid agents and solubilising agents which are chosen from among liquid fatty alcohols at 25° C. other than isostearylic alcohol, non-fatty alcohols, terpenic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, fluoro compounds, sulphur compounds, ethers, esters and supercritical fluids.

The subject matter of the present invention is a process for thetreatment of a material other than the human body using a compositioncomprising at least one dianhydrohexitol ether, preferably chosen fromdimethyl isosorbide (“DMI”) and dimethyl isoidide (“DMIi”), and at leastone compound chosen from alkaline agents, acidic agents and a list ofsolubilizing agents.

Among dianhydrohexitol ethers, DMI, which has been known for more than50 years, is that which has formed the subject of the greatest number ofstudies in terms of preparation and of applications. This compound isvery particularly recommended in the treatment of the human body asvectorizing agent for active principles which allows the latter to moreeffectively reach their target inside the human body. It is used inparticular as “skin penetrant” for the purpose of improving thepenetration of active principles into the surface layers of theepidermis of protein nature (keratin). Its use as vector of keratolyticagent for the purpose of improving the percutaneous absorption of saidagent is, for example, described in patent application WO 2004/105722.

However, it should be noted that, to date, in the pharmaceutical andcosmetic fields, DMI is made use of industrially and commercially onlyin relatively restricted amounts, this being the case in applicative“niches”, such as self-tanning creams or anti-acne creams.

In the context of the treatment of the human body, a description hasalso been given, in patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,070, of the treatment ofthe nails with a composition intended to remove varnish depositedbeforehand at their surface. In this composition, the DMI is used in alow amount (5% by weight according to the examples) and acts only as“catalyst”, allowing the specific binary mixture of propylene carbonateand of propylene glycol to act effectively as dissolvent of the nailvarnish. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the DMI/propylene carbonatebinary mixture or the DMI/propylene glycol binary mixture has no role insolvating the varnish. In this document, the precise effects of the DMIare not clearly apparent, in particular with regard to its potentialabilities to penetrate inside the constituent keratin of the nail and tocarry therein one and/or other of the solvents.

In any case, such DMI-comprising compositions which dissolve nailvarnishes have never a priori been marketed and it must be considered,in view of the above, that if they were to be marketed one day, theywould comprise only a low or very low proportion of DMI.

To the knowledge of the Applicant Company, there exists only a singlepublished document disclosing the use of DMI for the treatment of amaterial other than the human body, namely patent U.S. Pat. No.5,843,194, relating to the very specific field of gelled compositionsintended for the preparation of candles. In this specific context, theDMI is employed within the constituent body of the candle, necessarilyin small proportions (6% maximum in practice) and in combination withisostearyl alcohol, this being for esthetic purposes and in particularas flame-enhancing agent. However, it appears that, in the absence ofisostearyl alcohol, the DMI does not make it possible to obtain a candlewhich is satisfactory in terms of combustion and also transparency. Tothe knowledge of the Applicant Company, the use of DMI in thepreparation of candles, in particular as flame-enhancing agent, hasnever undergone industrial and commercial development.

The observation may thus be made that, to date, the industrial andcommercial exploitation of dianhydrohexitol ethers including DMI,remains very limited in the field of the treatment of the human body andis absent in the other fields, in particular in the fields ofdetergency, inks and paints, construction materials, metallurgy,printing, papermaking, the textile industry, plant protection products,adhesives, industrial coatings and electronics.

The Applicant Company has now found that the properties, not revealed todate, of dianhydrohexitol ethers can be made use of in numerous otherfields. In particular, it is observed that the use of dianhydrohexitolethers in compositions specifically intended for the treatment ofmaterials other than the human body makes it possible to remarkablyenhance the possibilities of industrial and commercial exploitation notonly of said ethers but also of other selected compounds, of diversenatures and functionalities, which can advantageously be used incombination with said ethers.

Remarkably, it has been found that such a use of dianhydrohexitolethers, in combination with selected compounds, has effects of notdamaging, indeed even of generally improving a) the conditions ofpreparation and/or of use of said compositions and also b) theintermediate or final physical performances and characteristics of saidcompositions, indeed even of the materials treated with suchcompositions.

Consequently, the subject matter of the present invention is a processfor the treatment of a material other than the human body whichcomprises mixing said material to be treated with, or bringing it intocontact with, a composition comprising:

a) at least one compound A chosen from dianhydrohexitol ethers, and

b) at least one compound B chosen from alkaline agents, acidic agentsand solubilizing agents chosen from fatty alcohols which are liquid at25° C. other than isostearyl alcohol, nonfatty alcohols, terpenecompounds, aldehydes, ketones, fluorinated compounds, sulfur-comprisingcompounds, ethers, esters and supercritical fluids.

The term “treatment of a material other than the human body” is intendedto mean any operation applied to any material, of organic and/orinorganic nature, with the exception of the operations alone applied,directly and “in vivo”, to human beings, including their skin and theirnails, for the purpose of a therapeutic or cosmetic effect.

The term “treatment of a material other than the human body” is intendedto mean, in particular, any operation applied to an inanimate material.

The material treated in accordance with the invention can exhibitextremely variable origins, natures, properties and destinations. It canbe or can predominantly comprise at least:

-   -   a metal material of any nature, which can exist in the form of        articles and structures of any shape, size and functionality,        such as rods, foils, films, coatings, plates, sheets, parts        intended for the motor vehicle, ship building or aeronautical        industries, car bodies, vehicles, frameworks, vats, forms,        packaging boxes, molds, pipes, rollers, printer's blankets,        pumps, tools, equipment, instruments, screws and bolts, cutlery,        prostheses, parts intended for domestic electrical appliances,        electronic or microelectronic components, floppy disks,        semiconductor components,    -   a glass material, of inorganic or organic nature, which may        exist in the form, for example, of fibers, walls, window panes,        porches, aquariums, screens, windshields, eye-glasses, lenses,        laboratory equipment, crockery, bottles,    -   an inorganic material, in particular based on plaster, cement,        mortar, grout, concrete, coat, porcelain or ceramic, which can        exist, for example, in the form of panels, paving stones,        coatings, flags, slabs, tiles, bricks, walls, posts, fences,        bridges and other civil engineering structures,    -   an inorganic material which exists naturally in the form of        sand, gravel, pebbles, stones, rocks,    -   a ligneous material which exists in the form of articles made of        wood, such as doors, windows, shutters, frames, posts, laths,        wooden floors, panels, tables, furniture, forms, tools,        instruments, including articles based on wood fibers and,        optionally on inorganic or plastic fibers and/or fillers, such        as insulating panels or composite materials,    -   a plant material, such as seeds, leaves, stems, flowers, fruits,        vegetables, roots, cellulose or hemicellulose fibers or other        plant extracts,    -   a material extracted from the animal body, such as leather,        skin, horn and wool,    -   a textile material which can exist in the form of yarns,        filaments, fibers or textile laps of natural or synthetic        origin, of woven or nonwoven articles, of clothes, wipes,        curtains, cloth,    -   a paper material, such as paper fibers, or fabrics, a sheet of        paper, board or corrugated board,    -   a polymeric material of synthetic or natural origin, of plastic        or elastomer type (polysaccharides, polylactates,        polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyolefin resins, polyesters,        polyamides, polyurethanes, acrylics, epoxies, elastomers,        natural rubbers, and the like), which can exist, for example, in        the form of latexes, of sheets, of films, of coatings, of        plates, of forms, of packagings, of parts intended for the motor        vehicle industry or for the domestic electrical appliances        industry, of tires, of electronic or microelectronic components,        floppy disks, prostheses,    -   a fatty material such as an oil or a fat, of mineral or organic        origin,    -   a fuel or a “biofuel”, such as bioethanol or esters of vegetable        oils,    -   water or any other aqueous fluid,    -   air or any other gas or mixture of gases.

Consequently, the term “material other than the human body” isunderstood in particular as meaning a material chosen from metalmaterials, glass materials, inorganic materials, ligneous materials,plant materials, materials extracted from the animal body, textilematerials, paper materials, polymeric materials of natural or syntheticorigin, fatty materials, fuels, water, aqueous fluids, air, gases andthe mixtures of these materials.

Preferably, said material does not exist in the gel form.

The treatment to which said material is subjected in accordance with theinvention can consist of a treatment of the whole or only of a portionof the constituent surface or body of the material. This treatment canhave the aim or effect of cleaning and/or of upgrading all or part ofthis material and in particular can consist of operations:

-   -   of washing, cleaning (including exact cleaning), wetting,        rinsing, degreasing, jacketing, secure bonding, covering,        applying a thin film, surface improvement (including paper),        coating (including paper), deicing, disinfecting,        decontaminating, dedusting, machining, cutting, stripping,        abrasion, smooth finishing, rust prevention treatment, corrosion        prevention treatment, lubrication, waxing, dyeing, painting,        varnishing, coloration, gilding, brightening, printing, marking,        (photo)developing, de-inking, bleaching, decoloration,        deodorization, scenting or aromatization, operations applied at        the constituent surface and/or in the constituent body of the        material, preferably applied at the surface of the material,    -   of extraction, impregnation, dispersion, salvation,        compatibilization, adjuvantation, plasticization, gelling,        liquefaction, vectorization, combustion, preferably applied        within the whole of the constituent body of the material.

In view of the diversity of the materials to be treated and of the typesof treatments, recourse is made industrially for the purpose of saidtreatments to a multitude of compositions existing in different forms(liquid, emulsified, pasty, solid, gas, as aerosol), including in theform of finished or semifinished articles with highly variablestructures, sizes and presentation forms, and exhibiting necessarilyhighly diverse functionalities such as solvating, cleaning, detergent,stain-removing, stripping, deqreasing, de-dusting, lubricating,antifreeze, disinfectant, deodorizing, impregnating, scenting,decorative, adhesive, bonding or film-forming compositions. They may, inparticular, be compositions, which are or are not completely formulatedand which can or cannot be used directly in this form, of fragrances andair fresheners, of paints, of latexes, of coating colours, of inks, oflacquers, of wood stains and varnishes, of glues and adhesives, ofbinders for founding, of cutting oils, of machining fluids, of growingfluids, of photographic baths, of fuels, of strippers, of window washes,of liquid, powder or tablet detergents, in particular for washingdishes, linen or clothes, of exact cleaning compositions forphotolithography, of deicing compositions, of wetting compositions forprinting (fountain solutions), of coating compositions for metal cans orcoils (can coating compositions or coil coating compositions), ofimpregnated wipes or plant protection products, including with afungicidal or herbicidal activity.

Whatever the functionality and the destination in each of thesecompositions, it is desired, in current industrial practice, for anymeans employed during its preparation to be able to exhibit all of thecriteria listed below:

a) to be sufficiently effective for any function for which it isintended for a given treatment,

b) not to damage and if possible to improve, the conditions ofpreparation and/or the conditions of use of any composition in which itis incorporated for the purpose of a given treatment,

c) not to damage and if possible to improve, the intermediate and finalphysical performances and characteristics of said composition or of anymaterial treated with said composition,

d) to exhibit high harmlessness and the minimum of inconveniences,particularly in terms of protection of man and of the environment,

e) to result in materials of natural origin which are, if possible,renewable.

In particular, there is a very particular desire for a means which,ideally and with regard to the abovementioned criteria:

a) is truly effective, for example, as cleaning, wetting, dispersing,lubricating, compatibilizing and/or coalescence agent,

b) can advantageously be used in compositions intended to be applied (i)both under cold conditions and under hot conditions and/or (ii) both atneutral pH and at acidic or basic pH,

c) does not damage, if possible improves, the physical, organoleptic andmore generally applicative characteristics, for example, thefilm-forming power, the wetting power, viscosity, the volatility, theimmiscibility with water, the chemical stability, the color, thetransparency and/or the odor, of said compositions and also thecharacteristics, including organoleptic characteristics, of anymaterial, for example, of any surface made of glass, of metal, of wood,of paper or of plastic, treated with said compositions,

d) is ecologically more acceptable than the adjuvants with the samefunctionality(ies) conventionally used, for example, glycol ethers,hydrocarbons of fossil origin or chlorinated solvents in general, and inparticular:

-   -   does not comprise dangerous substances and in particular        substances recognized as toxic, carcinogenic or mutagenic,    -   exhibits a low proclivity to generate volatile organic compounds        (COV), including when the compositions comprising it are applied        under hot conditions, and in particular exhibits a vapor        pressure at 25° C. of less than 13.3 Pa, so as to protect the        ozone layer,    -   exhibits a high flashpoint, preferably greater than 60° C., in        particular greater than 70° C., so as not to induce an        explosion,    -   exhibits an acceptable odor, in all cases significantly less        inconvenient or irritating than conventional adjuvants in        general,    -   exhibits good rinsability, i.e. a good ability to be entrained        by an aqueous solution while being harmless to the environment        (absence of bioaccumulation, absence of toxicity for the flora        and fauna, in particular aquatic, and satisfactory        biodegradability).

For the purpose of limiting the use of compounds recognized as dangerousor toxic to man and/or the environment, such as hydrocarbons of fossilorigin, chlorinated solvents or glycol ethers, it has in particular beenproposed for about thirty years to replace them all or in part withcompositions based on ester(s).

The use of esters of lactic acid has, for example, been described:

-   -   in the preparation of paints, lacquers or varnishes in patents        U.S. Pat. No. 3,985,691, EP 659 856 or EP 851 298,    -   in combination with glycerides or derivatives, in the        preparation of solvating compositions in general in patent WO        01/18162 or solvating compositions specifically intended for the        cleaning of surfaces stained with ink in patent WO 01/74984,    -   in the preparation of lubricating compositions in patent WO        03/106599,    -   in the form of derivatives of mono- and poly(alkyl        lactyllactate) type in the cleaning or degreasing of metal parts        in patent WO 03/087284,    -   in the preparation of fuels of diesel fuel type in patent U.S.        Pat. No. 6,719,815.

However, the compositions comprising lactic acid esters exhibit a numberof disadvantages and in particular: a lack of solvating power for veryhydrophobic materials, a relatively pronounced odor, a relatively lowflashpoint (46° C. for ethyl lactate) and high flammability, a highvapor pressure, high instability in an alkaline medium, relatively lowresistance to hydrolysis and an irritant nature (presence of free lacticacid).

In order to overcome all or some of these disadvantages, it has beenrecommended to combine said esters respectively:

-   -   with esters of fatty acids for the purpose of increasing the        flashpoint of the resultant solvating compositions (WO        01/18162),    -   with tertiary amines for the purpose of improving the odor of        these (WO 03/016449),    -   with d-limonene for the purpose of improving the possibilities        of use thereof in general, including the solvating power for        very hydrophobic materials (U.S. Pat. No. 6,797,684).

For the purpose of limiting the use of solvents recognized as dangerousto man and/or the environment, the proposal has also been made toreplace them, in all or in part, in combination or not in combinationwith lactic acid esters, with compositions based on products such asmethyl esters of vegetable oils, esters of dicarboxylic acids or dibasicesters (DBE), or terpenes, for example d-limonene.

However, these products exhibit the following disadvantages:

-   -   methyl esters of vegetable oils, for example of rapeseed,        soybean, sunflower or castor oil: pronounced odor, pronounced        color, immiscibility with water, absence of rinsability, limited        solvating power (applicable to few materials and with often        limited effectiveness), often unsuitable viscosity, aptitude for        setting solid under cold conditions,    -   dibasic esters, for example dimethyl esters of adipic acid,        glutaric acid or succinic acid and their mixtures: limited        solvating power, low miscibility with water, poor rinsability,        sometimes unsuitable viscosity (either too low or too high),        insufficient stability, irritant nature due to the presence of        free acids,    -   terpenes (d-limonene): immiscibility with water, nonrinsability,        relatively low flashpoint (48° C.), irritant nature, low        chemical stability (auto-oxidation).

The Applicant Company has found that, in the general field of thetreatment of a material other than the human body, it is now possible todispose of a means which:

-   -   not only, as such, confirms all the abovementioned criteria a)        to d),    -   but also makes it possible to advantageously formulate, in        particular with regard to said criteria, novel compositions        based on additives of highly varied chemical nature or        functionality(ies).

This means thus consists of the use of a dianhydrohexitol ether (heredenoted “compound A”) as component of said compositions in combinationwith a compound (here denoted “compound B”) selected from certainsolubilizing agents, alkaline agents and acidic agents.

More specifically, the subject matter of the present invention is aprocess for the treatment of a material other than the human body whichcomprises mixing said material with, or bringing it into contact with, acomposition comprising:

a) at least one compound A chosen from dianhydrohexitol ethers, and

b) at least one compound B chosen from alkaline agents, acidic agentsand solubilizing agents chosen from fatty alcohols which are liquid at25° C. other than isostearyl alcohol, nonfatty alcohols, terpenecompounds, aldehydes, ketones, fluorinated compounds, sulfur-comprisingcompounds, ethers, esters and supercritical fluids.

The term “dianhydrohexitol” is understood to mean very particularlyisosorbide, isomannide, isoidide, isogalactide and any mixture of atleast two of these products.

The term “dianhydrohexitol ether” is understood to mean in particularany compound A chosen from dianhydrohexitol monoethers, dianhydrohexitoldiethers and the mixtures of these ethers.

Preference is given to dianhydrohexitol alkyl ethers, in particularisosorbide, isomannide and isoidide methyl, ethyl, hexyl or 2-ethylhexylethers.

Said compound A can, in particular, be composed, in all or predominantly(i.e. for at least 50% of its dry matter), of dimethyl isosorbide(“DMI”), of diethyl isosorbide (“DEI”), of di(2)ethylhexyl isosorbide(“DEHI”) and/or of dimethyl isoidide (“DMIi”).

Said compound A can be present in all proportions within the compositionused in the process of the invention. It can thus, according to thenature and the destination of said composition:

be the predominant component of said composition and represent from 51to 99.8%, in particular from 55 to 99.5%, of the weight of saidcomposition, or, conversely,

represent less than 50%, in particular from 10 to 45%, of the weight ofsaid composition.

The dianhydrohexitol ether (compound A) preferably represents more than5%, preferably more than 10% and more preferably still more than 15% ofthe weight of said composition.

According to a first alternative form, compound A and compound B arepresent within the composition used in the process of the inventionaccording to a compound A/compound B ratio by weight, expressed as dryweight for dry weight, of between 2/98 and 98/2, preferably of between5/95 and 95/5.

As indicated above, the solubilizing agent is chosen from:

-   -   fatty alcohols which are liquid at 25° C. other than isostearyl        alcohol, such as butanol, isobutanol, isobutyl carbinol,        hexanol, heptanol, octanol, nonanol and decanol,    -   nonfatty alcohols, such as sugar alcohols, in particular        hexitols, anhydrohexitols, such as isosorbide and pentitols,        glycerol, methanol, ethanol, 2-butoxyethanol, isopropanol,        propan-1-ol and benzyl alcohol,    -   terpene compounds, such as d-limonene, dipentene, pinenes,        essential oils of citrus fruits, of pine, of eucalyptus or of        camphor, or oils of turpentine,    -   aldehydes, such as benzaldehyde and its derivatives,    -   ketones, such as N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), cyclohexanone and        isophorone,    -   fluorinated compounds, in particular hydrofluoroethers (HFEs),        hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs),        such as hydrofluoroalkanes and hydrochlorofluoroalkanes,    -   sulfur-comprising compounds,    -   ethers, in particular, of glycerol, of hexylene glycols or        propylene glycols,    -   esters, in particular:        -   of glycerol, such as triacetin, tributyrin, tricaprylin,            trioctanin or triolein,        -   of dianhydrohexitols, in particular of isosorbide, or            isomannide or of isoidide,        -   of nonfatty monoacids, such as methyl, ethyl, butyl,            isobutyl, propyl, isopropyl, amyl or benzyl lactates or            acetates,        -   of nonfatty polyacids, such as methyl or isobutyl citrates,            adipates, succinates or glutarates,        -   of fatty acids, in particular resulting from plant fatty            substances, for example, methyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, butyl            or ethylhexyl esters,    -   supercritical fluids, in particular supercritical CO₂.

According to a preferred embodiment, the solubilizing agent used incombination with the dianhydrohexitol ether in the composition usedaccording to the invention exhibits:

a) a vapor pressure at 25° C. of less than 13.3 Pa, preferably at mostequal to 10 Pa, and/or

b) a flashpoint of greater than 60° C., preferably greater than 70° C.and more preferably still of greater than 85° C., and/or

c) biodegradability such that, after 28 days, at least 20%, preferablyat least 70%, of said solubilizing agent has decomposed.

The biodegradability is here measured according to the process,hereinafter denoted “OECD 302 B”, recommended by the OECD under thefollowing number and following title: No. 302 B—InherentBiodegradability: Zahn—Wellens EMPA Test.

According to another embodiment, in combination or not in combinationwith the above, said solubilizing agent is chosen from the groupconsisting of nonfatty alcohols, esters of glycerol anddianhydrohexitols, esters of nonfatty monoacids, preferably lactates andacetates, esters of nonfatty polyacids, esters of fatty acids, terpenecompounds, glycerol ethers, ethers of propylene glycols, fluorinatedcompounds, sulfur-comprising compounds, supercritical fluids and themixtures of these products.

Said solubilizing agent can then advantageously be chosen from the groupconsisting of a) nonfatty alcohols, in particular isosorbide, glycerol,ethanol, propanol, isopropanol and 2-butoxyethanol, b) esters ofglycerol and dianhydrohexitols, in particular triacetin, tributyrin andisosorbide and isoidide acetates, n- and isobutyrates, n-hexylates,ethylhexylates and octanoates, c) esters, in particular methyl, ethyl,n-butyl and isobutyl, n-propyl and isopropyl, hexyl and ethylhexylesters, of lactic acid, acetic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid,glutaric acid and fatty acids comprising from 3 to 24 carbon atoms, d)terpene compounds, in particular d-limonene and pinenes, e) glycerolethers and f) the mixtures of these products.

Generally, it is preferable to employ a solubilizing agent which isliquid at 25° C.

The Applicant Company has, for the first time and on conclusion ofconsiderable research and analytical work, demonstrated thatdianhydrohexitol ethers exhibit many other advantages than thosehitherto actually described and made use of for more than 50 years, thisbeing the case more particularly for DMI and in the field of thetreatment of the human body (absence of irritant nature and of toxicityto man, weak odor, miscibility with water in all proportions, highflashpoint).

It has in particular shown that these ethers, including in particularDMI, exhibit all of the advantages below, hitherto never described ormade use of in any case to its knowledge:

-   -   an extremely low rate of evaporation with respect to n-butyl        acetate (less than 0.005 to 20° C.), reflecting the very low        proclivity to generate volatile organic compounds (VOC),    -   a ready biodegradability assessed according to the process        recommended by the OECD under No. 301 A (DOC Die-away Test), of        greater than 20% at 28 days, in this case of the order of 25%,        and an aerobic inherent biodegradability (according to the        abovementioned process “OECD 302 B”) of more than 20% at 28        days, in this case of the order of 366, said values reflecting        the fact that DMI can neither persist indefinitely in the        environment nor exhibit any risk of bioaccumulation in the soil,        plants or animal tissues,    -   an absence of negative effects on the biodegradability of other        substances,    -   an absence of toxicity for aquatic organisms, such as bacteria,        freshwater algae, daphnia and freshwater fish,    -   a high solvating power, in particular a miscibility with the        very great majority of families of solubilizing agents used        industrially (alcohols, terpene compounds, aldehyde compounds,        ketone compounds, sulfur-comprising compounds, fluorinated        compounds, ethers and esters), with the exception of the alkanes        alone,    -   a compatibilizing or third solvent power of compositions based        on alkanes, on mineral oils or petroleum distillates,    -   a high hydrotropic power, that is to say a strong ability to        make possible, in aqueous medium, solubilization of insoluble        compounds, such as, for example, some coloring materials,    -   a high physicochemical stability, both in neutral medium and in        acidic or alkaline medium, and    -   an absence of corrosive power with regard to the metals        conventionally used in an industrial environment such as steel,        cast iron, lead, aluminum, copper, tin or brass.

The Applicant Company subsequently conceived that the combination of adianhydrohexitol ether with products, such as the solubilizing agentslisted above, would allow these products, nevertheless of extremelyvaried chemical nature and intrinsic characteristics, to find novelpossibilities of use, namely other than the treatment of the human body,this being the case, in particular as substitutes for dangerous, toxicor contaminating materials.

It has thus been observed that a compound A, such as DMI, makes itpossible, even when it is present to a minor extent with respect to acompound B of solubilizing agent type such as selected, to provide acertain number of advantageous effects, it being possible for saideffects to furthermore vary according to the nature of the solubilizingagent selected.

The Applicant Company has obtained in particular the following results,by virtue of the combination of DMI with one or other of compounds Bbelow:

-   -   ethyl or butyl lactate: reduction in the odor, increase in the        flashpoint, increase in the vapor pressure, increase in the        stability, extension of the solvating power,    -   d-limonene or dipentene: reduction in the odor, increase in the        viscosity, increase in the miscibility with water, increase in        the flashpoint, reduction in inflammability, extension of the        solvating power,    -   dibasic esters: adjustment of the viscosity, improvement in the        rinsability, improvement in the stability, reduction in the        vapor pressure, reduction in the irritant power, extension of        the solvating power,    -   methyl esters of fatty acids of vegetable oils: reduction in the        color and in the odor, reduction in the temperature for        solidification under cold conditions, improvement in the        rinsability, extension of the solvating power,    -   N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP): increase in the viscosity, reduction        in the vapor pressure, extension of the solvating power.

According to a specific form, the dianhydrohexitol ether (compound A) isa minor constituent with respect to a solubilizing agent within thecomposition used according to the invention, which is thus thencharacterized in that:

-   -   the solubilizing agent is chosen from fatty alcohols which are        liquid at 25° C. other than isostearyl alcohol, nonfatty        alcohols, terpene compounds, aldehyde compounds, ketones,        fluorinated compounds, sulfur-comprising compounds, ethers,        esters and supercritical fluids; and    -   the compound A/compound B ratio by weight (dry weight/dry        weight) is less than 50/50, preferably of between 2/98 and        40/60.

This ratio can in particular be between 5/95 and 25/75.

As indicated above, the compound B can also be chosen from alkalineagents.

The term “alkaline agents” is understood to mean in particular thecompounds chosen from the group consisting of ammonia, urea, hydroxides,silicates, metasilicates, aluminosilicates, borates, carbonates,bicarbonates, percarbonates, sulfates, phosphates, phosphonates andhypochlorites of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, in particularof sodium, alkali metal salts or alkaline earth metal salts of fatty ornonfatty organic acids, in particular citric acid, lactic acid, gluconicacid, formic acid, tartaric acid, acetic acid, lauric acid, stearic acidor oleic acid, primary, secondary or tertiary amines, aminatedderivatives of alcohols, of acids or of polymer of acids, in particular2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (“AMP”), aminated derivatives of di-, tri-,tetra- and pentaacetic, mono- and disuccinic, tartaric, citric andphosphonic acids, such as, for example, the aminated derivatives knownto a person skilled in the art under the abbreviations of NTA, EDTA,DTPA, EDTMP, MGDA, EDMS and EDDS, and the mixtures of these products.

Preferably, when it comprises at least one alkaline agent, thecomposition used according to the invention exhibits a pH greater than8, preferably of greater than 8.5 and more preferably still of between 9and 13.

The Applicant Company has in particular observed that a compound A suchas DMI, in combination with an alkaline agent, such as disodiummetasilicate or ammonia, for example within a detergent or cleaningcomposition, in particular with a pH of more than 8, has the effect ofimproving the degreasing power and saponifying power of saidcomposition.

As indicated above, compound B, in combination with the dianhydrohexitolether (compound A) in accordance with the invention, can also be chosenfrom acidic agents.

The term “acidic agents” is understood to mean any organic or inorganicacid, in particular those chosen from the group consisting ofhydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid, citricacid, lactic acid, gluconic acid, formic acid, tartaric acid, aceticacid, octanoic acid, oleic acid and benzoic acid, and the mixtures ofthese acids.

Preferably, an acidic agent of organic origin is used.

Preferably, when it comprises at least one acid agent, the compositionused in accordance with the invention exhibits a pH of less than 5,preferably of less than 4.5, and more preferably still of between 1.5and 4.

The Applicant Company has in particular observed that a compound A suchas DMI, used in combination with an acid, such as lactic acid orsulfamic acid, for example in a stripping or descaling compositionhaving a pH of less than 4.5, has the effect of increasing thesolubilizing power of these.

The compositions used according to the invention can additionallycomprise one or more other constituents, the latter being chosen inparticular from the group consisting of water, dyes, pigments,thickeners, gelling agents, active principles and surface active agents.

The term “active principles” is understood in particular to meanbiocides, nematicides, molluscicides, insecticides, rodenticides,fungicides, herbicides and animal repellents.

The term “surface active agents” is understood to mean any surfactant,whether anionic, cationic, amphoteric or nonionic. The anionic surfaceactive agents can be chosen in particular from alkylbenzenesulfonates,paraffinsulfonates, olefinsulfonates, methyl ester sulfonates, alkylether sulfates, fatty alcohol sulfates, fatty acid soaps, fatty acidsulfoalkylamides, sulfosuccinates, sulfates of diglycolamides,N-acylated amino acids or polyoxyethylene carboxylates.

The cationic surface active agents can in particular be imidazolines,quaternary mono- or dialkylammoniums or quaternary ammonium esters.

The amphoteric surface active agents can in particular be amphotericbetaine derivatives, such as sulfonates and alkyl amidopropylsulfobetaines or ethoxylated betaine.

The nonionic surface active agents which are the preferred surfaceactive agents in the context of the present invention can in particularconsist of ethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkylene oxide copolymers, inparticular copolymers of ethylene or propylene oxide, amine oxides,amide alcohols, polyglycerol ethers, alkyl polyglucosides, alkylpolyglucosamides, esters of mono- or dianhydrohexitols, in particularsorbitan esters, which are or are not ethoxylated, or pentaerythritolesters.

Preferably, the surface active agent, in particular nonionic surfaceactive agent, exhibits a biodegradability at 28 days of at least 206,preferably of at least 70%, according to the “OECD 302 B” processmentioned above.

The Applicant Company has observed in particular that a dianhydrohexitolether, such as DMI in a stripping composition additionally comprising anonionic surface active agent such as an oxyethylenated alkylphenol, hasthe effect of improving the contact of the composition with the surfaceof a wood-based material, indeed even of improving the stripping of saidmaterial.

The joint use of a dianhydrohexitol ether and of a compound B as claimedconsequently constitutes a novel means, particularly well suited tocurrent requirements, in particular technical, environmental andregulatory requirements, related to the general field of compositionsintended for the treatment of materials other than the human body, itbeing possible for said treatments and materials to consist inparticular of those listed above.

These compositions can consist in particular:

a) of compositions intended for the treatment, in particular for thesurface treatment, of a ligneous (wood), textile or paper material, saidcompositions being chosen in particular from the group of paints, dyes,latexes, varnishes, lacquers, stains, stripping compositions, dedustingcompositions, inks, adhesives and coating slips.

b) of compositions intended for the treatment, in particular for thesurface treatment, of a metal material, said compositions consisting inparticular of washing, cleaning, wetting, rinsing, degreasing,dedusting, machining, cutting, stripping, abrasion, smooth-finishing,varnishing, rust prevention, corrosion prevention, lubricating,painting, gilding, brightening, coating (including can coatingcompositions and coil coating compositions) or film-forming, includingthin-film-forming, compositions,

c) of compositions intended for the treatment, in particular for thesurface treatment, of a glass material, said compositions being chosenin particular from a group of washing compositions, such as detergents,and cleaning, such as window washes, degreasing, dedusting, deicing anddisinfecting compositions,

d) of compositions existing in the form of wipes intended for thetreatment, in particular for the cleaning, degreasing, dedusting orscenting and/or for the disinfection, of any material other than thehuman body, in particular of a ligneous, polymeric, glass or metalmaterial, and

e) of compositions intended for the treatment of plants, in particularplant protection compositions, nutrient compositions for plants orfertilizers.

In a preferred embodiment of the process of the invention, the materialto be treated is a metal material, ligneous material, textile materialor paper material and the process comprises bringing said compositioninto contact with the material to be treated.

Another subject matter of the present invention is the use, in thepreparation of a composition for the treatment of a material other thanthe human body:

a) of at least one compound A chosen from dianhydrohexitol ethers,preferably dimethyl isosorbide (¢DMI”), and

b) of at least one compound B chosen from alkaline agents, acidic agentsand solubilizing agents chosen from fatty alcohols which are liquid at25° C. other than isostearyl alcohol, nonfatty alcohols, terpenecompounds, aldehydes, ketones, fluorinated compounds, sulfur-comprisingcompounds, ethers, esters and super-critical fluids.

Finally, the subject matter of the invention is a composition for thetreatment of a material other than the human body, characterized in thatit comprises at least one dianhydrohexitol ether, preferably dimethylisosorbide (“DMI”), and at least one compound B chosen from alkalineagents, acidic agents and solubilizing agents chosen from fatty alcoholswhich are liquid at 25° C. other than isostearyl alcohol, nonfattyalcohols, terpene compounds, aldehydes, ketones, fluorinated compounds,sulfur-comprising compounds, ethers, esters and supercritical fluids.

In a preferred embodiment of this composition,

-   -   the compound B is a solubilizing agent chosen from fatty        alcohols which are liquid at 25° C. other than isostearyl        alcohol, nonfatty alcohols, terpene compounds, aldehydes,        ketones, fluorinated compounds, sulfur-comprising compounds,        ethers, esters and supercritical fluids, and    -   the compound A/compound B ratio by weight (dry weight/dry        weight) is less than 50/50, preferably of between 2/98 and        40/60.

The compositions of the present invention are preferably chosen frompaints, dyes, latexes, varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, stains, inks,coating slips, detergents, window washes, cleaning, washing, wetting,rinsing, degreasing, dedusting, machining, cutting, stripping, abrasion,smooth-finishing, varnishing, rust prevention, corrosion prevention,lubricating, gilding, brightening, thin-film-forming, covering,disinfecting or deicing compositions, wipes, plant-protectioncompositions, nutrient compositions for plants and fertilizers.

An additional subject matter of the present invention is the use of adianhydrohexitol ether, in particular DMI, as coalescence agent for alatex-based composition, chosen in particular from varnishes, lacquers,adhesives, stains, inks, coating colours and water-based paints.

The present invention will be described in even more detail with thehelp of the following examples, which are in no way limiting.

EXAMPLE 1 Compositions for Degreasing Steel Sheets

Steel sheets covered with a thin, uniform film of different greases,lubricants or straight cutting oils commonly used in themetal-processing industry are degreased.

The degreasing effectiveness of the following compositions is compared:

-   -   Composition 1: trichloroethylene (TCE) sold by Riedel-De Haën        under reference number 24254,    -   Composition 2: dichloromethane (DCM) sold by Riedel-De Haën        under reference number 34488,    -   Composition 3: dipentene (DP) sold by Fluka under the reference        number 42560,    -   Composition 4: ethyl lactate (EL) sold by Sigma-Aldrich,    -   Composition 5: dimethyl isosorbide (DMI) produced by the        Applicant Company in the form of a colorless, odorless and        slightly viscous solution exhibiting a dimethyl isosorbide        purity of approximately 99.6%,    -   Composition 6: mixture in equal parts by weight of constituent        DMI of Composition 5 and of constituent DP of Composition 3,    -   Composition 7: mixture in equal parts by weight of constituent        DMI of Composition 5 and of constituent EL of Composition 4.

These compositions exhibit as such the general properties given in thetable below, said properties being denoted and recorded in the followingway:

COMPO- SITION CONSTITUENT(S) FLA VOL RIN BIO ORI 1 TCE − ++ 0 − − 2 DCM− ++ 0 − − 3 DP +/48° C. ++ 0 + + 4 EL +/46° C. + + + + 5 DMI +/120° C.0 ++ + + 6 DMI/DP +/95° C. + + + + 7 DMI/EL +/96° C. + ++ + + * FLA =flammability: − = no; +/° C. = yes/flashpoint, * VOL =volatility/aptitude for drying: 0 = low; + = moderate; ++ = high, * RIN= rinsability with water: 0 = poor; + = good; ++ = excellent, * BIO =biodegradability: 0 = no; + = yes, * ORI = renewable origin: 0 = no; + =yes.

Compositions 1 and 2, based on chlorinated solvents, although flammable,are not biodegradable and are not of renewable origin, in contrast tothe other compositions indicated. Furthermore, they are recognized ashaving a certain toxicity for man (compulsory labelings T, Xn, R40, R45and/or R65) and for the environment (compulsory labelings R51/R53).

Compositions 3 and 4, although they are of renewable origin while beingbiodegradable, exhibit excessively low flashpoints, so that an R10labeling is necessary (flashpoints of between 21 and 51° C.).

Composition 5 exhibits as such highly advantageous properties(sufficiently high flashpoint, excellent rinsability with water,renewable origin and intrinsically biodegradable). It is possible withthis composition to obtain a dry surface by simple rinsing with waterbut it is necessary to introduce energy.

Compositions 6 and 7, in accordance with the invention, exhibit, withrespect to Compositions 3 and 4, the advantage of being markedly saferwith regard to a risk of explosion and of not requiring that R10labeling be affixed. With respect to Composition 5, Compositions 6 and 7have the same advantageous properties while exhibiting a much betteraptitude for drying.

The performances of these 7 compositions are compared for 9 commercialgreases and oils of different chemical mixtures.

These 9 fatty substances are denoted and defined in the following way:

FS1=paraffinic mineral oil

FS2=mixture of petroleum mineral oils,

FS3=food-grade mineral oil,

FS4=molybdenum disulfide grease,

FS5=mixture of mineral oil, of paraffinic hydrocarbons and of graphite,

FS6=polydimethylsiloxane oil

FS7=mutifraction oily mixture

FS8=biostable polyvalent microemulsion,

FS9=nonchlorinated special lubricant.

For the purpose of the evaluation, a cotton pad is impregnated with thetest composition and then this cotton pad is brought into contact with athin and uniform film of fatty substances deposited on the surface of asteel sheet. This operation is repeated twice. The steel sheet issubsequently rinsed with cold water, so as to remove the solvent. Thedegreasing effect is subsequently graded as follows:

Grade=1: visible residual presence of a thin greasy film,

Grade=2: visible residual presence of small greasy spots,

Grade=3: visible absence of fatty substance (degreased sheet).

The results obtained for each composition applied to each of the 9 fattysubstances are summarized in the table below.

For each of Compositions 1 to 7, an “overall grade” is assigned to thefunction of the number of fatty substances for which the composition inquestion has not made it possible to achieve the grade of 3. Thisoverall grade, with a maximum value of 10, is assigned in the followingway:

10/10: the composition has obtained a grade of 3 for all of the 9 fattysubstances,

9/10: the composition has obtained a grade of 3 for 8 fatty substances,

8/10: the composition has obtained a grade of 3 for 7 fatty substances,

7/10: the composition has obtained a grade of 3 for 6 fatty substances,

6/10: the composition has obtained a grade of 3 for 5 fatty substances.

For each Composition 1 to 7, the grade obtained a) for the specificdegreasing of each of the fatty substances FS1 to FS9 deposited (gradefrom 1 to 3) and b) overall, as degreasing composition (grades from 6/10to 10/10) is thus taken up in the table below.

COMP. FATTY SUBSTANCE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 FS 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 FS 2 3 3 3 3 3 33 FS 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 FS 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 FS 5 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 FS 6 3 3 3 32 3 3 FS 7 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 FS 8 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 FS 9 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 OVERALLGRADE 10 10 9 8 6 10 9 (/10)

Compositions 4 and 5 appear, in the present case, to be less effectivethan the other compositions tested. However, they exhibit an undeniabledegreasing effect and it is noteworthy to observe that Composition 5,based solely on DMI, makes it possible to remove, without visibleresidual traces, fatty substances as different in nature as the fattysubstances FS 1, FS 2, FS 4, FS 7 and FS 9.

However, Composition 7 exhibits, contrary to all expectation, betterdegreasing performances than those of Compositions 4 and 5, whereas itis based on a mixture of DMI and of EL.

It is the same for Compositions 6, which proves to be more effectivethan Composition 3 or than Composition 5.

In fact, Compositions 6 and 7 according to the invention constituteparticularly advantageous products for use in degreasing due to theirrinsability with water, their safety in use, their biodegradability,their renewable origin and their degreasing effectiveness with regard tohighly varied types of greases and oils ordinarily used in themetal-processing industry. They can advantageously replace in this rolethe chlorinated solvents which are toxic and dangerous to health, whichare TCE or DCM, or also the terpene compounds, such as DP and thelactates such as EL, the flashpoints of which are generally regarded asinsufficiently high to avoid risks of explosion.

EXAMPLE 2 Latex-Based Film-Forming Compositions

The properties, as coalescence agents for latexes intended forpreparation of water-based paints, of the following liquid compositionsare compared:

-   -   Composition A: 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate,        as sold by Perstorb Oxo under the name Nexcoat® 795 and        currently used as coalescence agent. This product is a glycol        ether derivative,    -   Composition B: mixture of butyl esters of glutaric acid,        succinic acid and adipic acid, as sold by Invista under the name        DBE-IB®,    -   Composition C: dimethyl isosorbide (DMI) prepared by the        Applicant Company in the form of a colorless, odorless and        slightly viscous solution exhibiting a DMI purity of        approximately 99.6%,    -   Composition D: mixture in equal parts by weight of Composition A        (Nexcoat® 795) and of Composition C (DMI),    -   Composition E: mixture in equal parts by weight of Composition B        (DBE-IB®) and of Composition C (DMI).

For each of Compositions A to E, the characteristics of odor (“ODOR”),of stability at alkaline pH, i.e. at a pH of 9 (“STAB.”) and of risks ofharmfulness in terms of protection of the aquaticenvironment/bioaccumulation (“BIO.”) are taken up in the table belowaccording to the following notation:

ODOR STAB. BIO. Composition A + + − Composition B − 0 + Composition C ++++ ++ Composition D ++ ++ +/++ Composition E + + ++ “ODOR”: − = fairlystrong; + = slight, ++ = very slight, “STAB.”: 0 = moderate; + = good;++ = very good, “BIO.”: − = harmfulness demonstrated; + = slight risk;++ = very slight risks.

For each of Compositions A to E, the ability to improve the coalescenceof latexes during the drying thereof by departure of water is evaluated.The latex used consists of a dispersion in water of styrene/acrylicester copolymer, sold by Cray Valley under the name Craymul® 2423.

The effect of the addition to this latex of 5.3% by weight of each ofCompositions A to E, expressed with respect to the commercial weight ofsaid latex, is measured and more specifically its effect on:

1) the change in the viscosity of the latex dispersion, this being thecase for 7 days,

2) the properties of a film obtained after deposition of this dispersionon a sheet of glass or of Teflon and drying at ambient temperature for24 hours.

The viscosity of the latex at 1 day (“VISC 1”) and at 7 days (“VISC 7”)corresponds to a Brookfield viscosity (20° C., 20 rpm). It is expressedhere in thousands of millipascals-seconds (10³ mPa.s).

For each film produced, the characteristics of homogeneity (“HOM.“1) arestudied by microscopic observation, of haze (“HAZE”) by measurement on a“Haze-Gard Plus” device and of glass transition temperature (“TG” in °C.) conventionally by DSC.

For each of Compositions A to E, the characteristics below were obtainedfor the latexes and films prepared in comparison with a latex/film(“Control”) to which has not been added 5.3% of any composition.

VISC 1 VISC 7 HOM HAZE TG Control 9.1 8.9 − 9.9 +18.2 Comp. A 24.424.1 + 3.7 −5.4 Comp. B 24.4 25.5 + 3.6 −7.2 Comp. C 4.8 4.8 + 8.9 +1.6Comp. D 8.4 8.1 + 6.4 −11.7 Comp. E 8.8 8.9 + 3.9 −12.5

It is found that the latexes comprising Composition A or Composition Bpresent a very high viscosity and a gelled structure, thus losing theirproperty of being easy to pump and meter.

The addition of Composition C has a contrary effect, the resulting latexthen exhibiting a fluidity which is admittedly enhanced but acceptableand thus retaining in any case a good ability to be pumped and metered.

This fluidification makes it possible advantageously to prepare latexeswhich are more concentrated and derived compositions (water-basedpaints, inks, coating colours) requiring a reduced drying time.

In contrast and unexpectedly, Compositions D and E according to theinvention do not significantly modify the viscosity of the latex or thechange in its rheology over time.

The films obtained from Composition C are of a general quality which isimproved with respect to the control films.

The films obtained from Compositions D and E according to the inventionare moreover of a general quality which is even better (homogeneousfilms not covered with cracks, relatively low “HAZE” values), it beingpossible for this quality to be linked, at least in part, to the “TG”values measured, which are lowered in outstanding fashion and could notbe imagined from the viewpoint of the values obtained, inter alia, withDMI alone (Composition C) on the one hand, and with each of the products“Nexcoat® 755” (Composition A) or “DBE-IB®” (Composition B) on the otherhand.

Contrary to all expectation, the compositions according to theinvention, in particular those combining a dianhydrohexitol ether (forexample, DMI) and a Compound B, such as a glycol ether derivative or amixture of esters of nonfatty polyacids, can advantageously be used inthe preparation of water-based paints, varnishes, lacquers, adhesives,stains, inks or coating colours or more generally of any latex-basedcompositions, in particular film-forming or coating compositions.

The Applicant Company has, in particular found that the compositionswhich can be used according to the invention make it possible to preparewater-based matt or satin-finish paints with the possibility of completereplacement of the coalescence agents commonly used such as glycolethers.

In particular, it has been observed, during the preparation and theapplication of a white satin-finish paint comprising DMI, that theproperties of the paint (rheology, rate of drying, gloss, hardness,final appearance), before and after drying, are as good, indeed evenbetter as regards the whiteness before and after UV aging, than theproperties obtained with paints formulated with conventional coalescenceagents which do not comprise DMI.

EXAMPLE 3 Concentrated Liquid Composition for Machining Fluid of VeryHigh Biodegradability

An emulsion is prepared from a composition essentially comprising, byweight: 25% of water, 30.8% of methylesters of rapeseed oil, sold byNovance under the brand Lubrisorb® 926 65 (Compound B), 16.3% of adimethyl isosorbide (DMI) composition prepared by the Applicant Companyand described in the preceding Examples (Compound A), 15.4% ofβ-cyclodextrin, such as sold by the Applicant Company under the brandKLEPTOSE®, 10% of corrosion inhibitors and 1.5% of sorbitan-derivedsurfactants.

Said emulsion is prepared by mixing, on a colloidal mill, an aqueousphase composed of the water, the β-cyclodextrin and a portion of thesurfactants and an oily phase composed of the other ingredientsmentioned above, including the methylesters of rapeseed oil and the DMI.

It is apparent that the emulsion thus obtained is slightly viscous,easily diluted with water, stable over time, safe, as it does notcomprise products, such as diethylene glycol ethers, ordinarily used inthis type of formulation to adjust the viscosity and the physicalstability, and non-corrosive with regard to steel in particular.Moreover, it exhibits good lubricating properties and goodsurface-wetting properties introduced both by the methylesters ofrapeseed oil and the DMI. Finally, it comprises essentially only highlybiodegradable products of renewable origin, which allows it to beremoved by simple and nonpolluting processes.

EXAMPLE 4 Compositions for Cleaning a Glass Material

In the context of this example, an evaluation is carried out of theadvantage of compositions that can be used in accordance with theinvention in the treatment of a glass material and more particularly assolvating agents in the cleaning of sheets of glass contaminated by abitumen composition.

Molten bitumen, of “70/100” type supplied by Eurovia, is spread over asheet of glass as a film with a thickness of approximately 0.5 to 1 mm.

When the bitumen thus spread is found back at ambient temperature,pieces of cotton pad impregnated with the solvating compound to betested are deposited on it. The cotton pad is covered with a glass jarin order to limit the evaporation of the solvent.

Each of the compositions is evaluated according to two tests, namely:

-   -   Test 1: after the bitumen and the impregnated cotton pad have        been in contact for 1 hour, the latter is lifted off in order to        observe the action of the compound as solvent for the bitumen.

The following grading is adopted for this Test 1:

0: Intact cotton pad,

1: Traces of bitumen on the cotton pad,

2: Cotton pad contaminated over the entire surface,

3: The bitumen has been dissolved by the solvent and has migrated intothe cotton pad.

-   -   Test 2: the cotton pad is subsequently rubbed over the bitumen        in order to evaluate cleaning with mechanical action.

The following grading is adopted for this Test 2:

0: Intact cotton pad,

1: Traces of bitumen on the cotton pad,

2: Blackened cotton pad,

3: Unequivocal attack on the bitumen,

4: Easy removal of the bitumen.

The various solvating compositions below were subjected to Test 1 andTest 2:

-   -   Composition C1 (control): diesel oil of “red” type,    -   Composition C2 (control): mixture of 65% by weight of        composition C1 (diesel oil) and 35% by weight of a dimethyl        isosorbide (DMI) composition prepared by the Applicant Company        and described in the preceding Examples (Compound A),    -   Composition A (according to the invention): a mixture of 50% by        weight of dipentene sold by Fluka (Compound B) and 50% by weight        of a dimethyl isosorbide (DMI) prepared by the Applicant Company        and described in the preceding Examples (Compound A),    -   Composition B (according to the invention): a mixture of 25% by        weight of d-limonene sold by Prodasynthe (Compound B) and 75% by        weight of a dimethyl isosorbide (DMI) prepared by the Applicant        Company and described in the preceding Examples (Compound A).

The grade obtained for each Test 1 and Test 2 for each of theCompositions C1, C2, A and B is taken up in the table below:

Composition Test 1 Test 2 C1 1 4 C2 1 4 A 2 4 B 2 4

This table shows that Compositions A and B which can be used inaccordance with the invention can advantageously be employed assolvating agents, including as co-solvating agents, in the treatment ofa glass material, for example, for the cleaning of a glass materialcontaminated by bitumen.

It is apparent that these compositions are overall more effective than acomposition based on diesel oil (C1) or than a composition combiningdiesel oil and DMI (C2). The latter composition, due to the poormiscibility between the diesel oil and the DMI for the ratio envisagedhere, has furthermore proven to be unstable physically, in contrast toCompositions A and B in accordance with the invention.

1-17. (canceled)
 18. A process for the treatment of a material otherthan the human body which comprises mixing said material to be treatedwith, or bringing it into contact with, a composition comprising: a) atleast one compound A chosen from dianhydrohexitol ethers, and b) atleast one compound B selected from the group consisting of alkalineagents, acidic agents and solubilizing agents, said solubilizing agentsbeing selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols which areliquid at 25° C. other than isostearyl alcohol, nonfatty alcohols,terpene compounds, aldehydes, ketones, fluorinated compounds,sulfur-comprising compounds, ethers, esters and supercritical fluids.19. The process according to claim 18, wherein said compound A isselected from dianhydrohexitol alkylethers.
 20. The process as claimedin claim 19, wherein said compound A is selected from the groupconsisting of isosorbide, isomannide and isoidide, methyl, ethyl, hexyland 2-ethylhexyl ethers.
 21. The process according to claim 18, whereinthe material to be treated is selected from the group consisting ofmetal materials, glass materials, inorganic materials, ligneousmaterials, plant materials, materials extracted from the animal body,textile materials, paper materials, polymeric materials of natural orsynthetic origin and mixtures thereof.
 22. The process according toclaim 18, wherein the material is not in the gel form.
 23. The processaccording to claim 18, wherein compound A and compound B are presentwithin said composition according to a Compound A/Compound B ratio byweight, expressed as dry weight/dry weight, of between 2/98 and 98/2.24. The process according to claim 18, wherein the solubilizing agentexhibits: a) a vapor pressure at 25° C. of less than 13.3 Pa, and/or b)a flashpoint of higher than 60° C., and/or c) biodegradability (OECD 302B) such that, after 28 days, at least 20%, of said solubilizing agenthas decomposed.
 25. The process according to claim 18, wherein thesolubilizing agent is selected from the group consisting of nonfattyalcohols, esters of glycerol and dianhydrohexitols, esters of nonfattymonoacids, preferably lactates and acetates, esters of nonfattypolyacids, esters of fatty acids, terpene compounds, glycerol ethers,ethers of propylene glycols, fluorinated compounds, sulfur-containingcompounds, supercritical fluids and mixtures thereof.
 26. The processaccording to claim 25, wherein the solubilizing agent is selected fromthe group consisting of a) nonfatty alcohols b) esters of glycerol anddianhydrohexitols, c) esters, d) terpene compounds, e) glycerol ethersand f) mixtures thereof.
 27. The process according to claim 26, whereinthe solubilizing agent is selected from the group consisting ofisosorbide, glycerol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, 2-butoxyethanol,triacetin, tributyrin, isosorbide acetate and isoidide acetate,isosorbide isoidide n-butyrate, isosorbide n-butyrate, isoidideisobutyrate, isosorbide isobutyrate, isoidide n-hexylate, isosorbiden-hexylate, isoidide ethylhexylate, isosorbide ethylhexylate, isoidideoctanoate, isosorbide octanoate, methyl, ethyl, n-butyl, isobutyl,isopropyl, hexyl and ethylhexyl esters, of lactic acid, acetic acid,adipic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid and fatty acids comprisingfrom 3 to 24 carbon atoms, d-limonene and pinenes.
 28. The processaccording to claim 18, wherein compound B is chosen from the groupconsisting of alkaline agents and acidic agents.
 29. The processaccording to claim 18, wherein the material to be treated is metal,ligneous, textile or paper material, the process comprising bringingsaid composition into contact with the material to be treated.
 30. Theprocess according to claim 18, wherein compound A represents more than5% by weight of said composition.
 31. The process according to claim 18,wherein compound A is dimethyl isosorbide.
 32. A composition for thetreatment of a material other than the human body, comprising at leastone dianhydrohexitol ether and at least one compound B chosen fromalkaline agents, acidic agents and solubilizing agents selected from thegroup consisting of fatty alcohols which are liquid at 25° C. other thanisostearyl alcohol, nonfatty alcohols, terpene compounds, aldehydes,ketones, fluorinated compounds, sulfur-comprising compounds, ethers,esters and supercritical fluids.
 33. The composition according to claim32 wherein the dianhydrohexitol ether is dimethyl isosorbide (“DMI”).34. The composition according to claim 32, wherein: the solubilizingagent is selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols which areliquid at 25° C. other than isostearyl alcohol, nonfatty alcohols,terpene compounds, aldehydes, ketones, fluorinated compounds,sulfur-containing compounds, ethers, esters and supercritical fluids,and the compound A/compound B ratio by weight (dry weight/dry weight) isless than 50/50.
 35. The composition according to claim 32, selectedfrom the group consisting of paints, dyes, latexes, varnishes, lacquers,adhesives, stains, inks, coating colours, detergents, window washes,cleaning compositions, washing compositions, wetting compositions,rinsing compositions, degreasing compositions, dedusting compositions,machining compositions, cutting compositions, stripping compositions,abrasion compositions, smooth-finishing compositions, varnishingcompositions, rust prevention compositions, corrosion preventioncompositions, lubricating compositions, gilding compositions,brightening compositions, thin-film-forming compositions, disinfectingcompositions or deicing compositions, wipes, plant-protectioncompositions, nutrient compositions for plants and fertilizers.